Miscellaneous Columbus Indiana Topics

[Margo CHS Class of 55]

I need to correct myself. Norman and his wife must have had 3 daughters, as he moved in with one in Colorado the last years of his life.
Norman sent me pictures of him from her home wearing a huge Stetson hat. Anyone who knew Norman and his small bald head would laugh at that picture also!! Now I have my curiosity stirred up, and will definitely have to come up with some answers. Margo
***********
I took my quest to First Baptist Church Choir Practice Wed. night , and was asking some of the " More Mature" members, when it popped right into my head. The 3rd daughter's name is Pat Devening Montgomery. She and her husband ( a Dr.) live in Scottsdale, Arizona. So there was Janice Devening Spicer ( married John Spicer) who lives in Fla. ~ Barb Devening Horn ( passed away 1997) and Pat Devening Montgomery. I am so glad I finally had this mystery solved. Norman and Doris, and their family were wonderful members of the Columbus Community in the 40's and 50's. Columbus could surely be honored to have more people like the " Devening Family" in our Community now.
Margo... member of the 5th Street Bunch

[Margo CHS Class of 55]

BURMA SHAVE SIGNS

How many remember those delightful primitive Billboards that were posted to trees, fences, or telephone poles on County Roads and Highways? I am really suprised that no one had posted them on this site anywhere. I just stumbled on these while I was looking up information on the Devening family, and will place them here.

Dave,
We may have to have a seperate folder entitled "Burma Shave Signs" if we stir up enough interest. OK, people, DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE ONE This is where we will start them, and see if you add to mine.

( From my Files ...)

Boy, I had forgotten I had these in my files. I can remember driving to Family Reunion Dinners, in the 40's and 50's, and looking for these on the way to Gary, or Shelbyville. Surely wish I had been able to save some !! The younger generation surely missed out on a lot, didn't they? Enjoy, and reminisce..... Margo


The First Billboards .....

For all our younger Drivers

The following were signs located along highways as an advertising technique back when we "Mature Adults" were much, much younger. While on a long car trip to Indianapolis, Madison, or Louisville, we kept our eyes peeled for them.
Because they carried some wisdom and were fun
to read, I thought you might enjoy reading them, also:


SOME OF MY FAVORITE BURMA SHAVE SIGNS....

TRAINS DON'T WANDER
ALL OVER THE MAP
'CAUSE NOBODY SITS
IN THE ENGINEER'S LAP
Burma Shave

SHE KISSED THE HAIRBRUSH
BY MISTAKE
SHE THOUGHT IT WAS
HER HUSBAND JAKE
Burma Shave


DON'T LOSE YOUR HEAD
TO GAIN A MINUTE
YOU NEED YOUR HEAD
YOUR BRAINS ARE IN IT
Burma Shave

DROVE TOO LONG
DRIVER SNOOZING
WHAT HAPPENED NEXT
IS NOT AMUSING
Burma Shave

BROTHER SPEEDER
LET'S REHEARSE
ALL TOGETHER
GOOD MORNING, NURSE
Burma Shave

CAUTIOUS RIDER
TO HER RECKLESS DEAR
LET'S HAVE LESS BULL
AND MORE STEER !!
Burma Shave

SPEED WAS HIGH
WEATHER WAS NOT
TIRES WERE THIN
X MARKS THE SPOT
Burma Shave

THE MIDNIGHT RIDE
OF PAUL FOR BEER
LED TO A WARMER
HEMISPHERE
Burma Shave

AROUND THE CURVE
LICKETY-SPLIT
BEAUTIFUL CAR
WASN'T IT ?
Burma Shave

NO MATTER THE PRICE
NO MATTER HOW NEW
THE BEST SAFETY DEVICE
IN THE CAR IS YOU
Burma Shave

A GUY WHO DRIVES
A CAR WIDE OPEN
IS NOT THINKIN'
HE'S JUST HOPIN'
Burma Shave

AT INTERSECTIONS
LOOK EACH WAY
A HARP SOUNDS NICE
BUT IT'S HARD TO PLAY
Burma Shave

BOTH HANDS ON THE WHEEL
EYES ON THE ROAD
THAT'S THE SKILLFUL
DRIVER'S CODE
Burma Shave

THE ONE WHO DRIVES
WHEN HE'S BEEN DRINKING
DEPENDS ON YOU
TO DO HIS THINKING
Burma Shave

CAR IN DITCH
DRIVER IN TREE
THE MOON WAS FULL
AND SO WAS HE !!
Burma Shave

And an all time favorite:

PASSING SCHOOL ZONE
TAKE IT SLOW
LET OUR LITTLE
SHAVERS GROW
Burma Shave

Do these bring back memories?

If they do, you're as old as my first car I learned to drive in , a '47 Chevy !!! I have many,many more. Just wanted to see if there was any interest in them.

[Deleted]

Hi David, Regarding the Penn. Station,the original or first station was at 7th and Jackson st. later in the early 60s' it was moved south about 1 1/2 blocks, and the old station was torn down. The Washington building on Pearl st. was Columbus High school from 1887 until Central was built, it was latter used as a book store for Central and also the Columbus Boys Club. The building on 7th st was used as the Lutheran Rec. center in the 40s' I don't know It's orgin. Hope this helps. George

[Deleted]

Hi David, Correction, the Penn. Station was moved in 1953 from 7th and Jackson to the south about a block and a half. George

[David Sechrest]

George, thanks for the info.

Do you know why they moved the PRR station a block and a half south?

Regarding the Washington Elementary school picture on page 299 in Volume II of the Bartholomew County History book: It has been brought to my attention that this picture is NOT that of Washington Elementary, so please keep this in mind when referring to the book.

And Margo, regarding the Burma Shave signs: Thanks for Posting! While I was on the "tail-end" of these. I recall seeing these curious advertisements on trips our family made from Columbus Indiana to Mt. Vernon Illinois. If I remember correctly, they were on old SR 50, which was the "quickest" way to get to Mt. Vernon from Columbus back in the late 50's/early 60's, but if memory serves me correctly, they were in Illinois.

And Nanc--sometimes it amazes me how much life is really a circle. Although we find ourselves in new and different locations, I've always been surprised by the fact that, it seems no matter where I've lived in my lifetime, and this includes my stint in the service at 2nd General Hospital in Landstuhl Germany, that I've met people from Columbus, and in most cases, became friends with them. When you look at the statistics of this happening, sometimes it seems quite unbelievable!

Believe It. . . . Or Not!...

[Deleted]

Hi David, The Penn. station was relocated in 1953 when the old station at 7th. and Jackson was torn down. Dunlap and Co. built a lumber yard at that location. Thanks for the info. on the Washington building. George

[Deleted]

Hi David, There is a good picture of the old Penn. Station on page 15 in Coumbus 125 Years, the old Cerealine building can be seen in the background. The information about when it was demolished I don't think is correct, I'm thinking about 1953. I do remember the old steam engines coming in and out of the old station, it was a sight to see. EC has a good post on the local train history today. George

[Margo CHS Class of 55]

Miss Ida Edenburn,
The short while we lived at 1244 Franklin Street she lived just across the street, and about 4 houses north.

My mother wanted me to take private voice lessons from her, but after 2 , I balked and said no more! However, my sister, Sheila, took quite a few, and really liked her.
I remember her in the Elementary School (For me it was Lincoln) teaching music. I was fascinated by the monical she had pinned to her blouse, and would bring out to help her read the music. First one I had ever seen and it amazed me, the way it recoiled back in side that container without getting tangled up. Funny, what child hood memories stick in your mind. But that was one for me. Any body else remember it ?

I also remember taking private elecution lessons from Connie Pruitt's mother. The Pruitt family lived several doors north on our side of the sreet on Franklin. I really,really, enjoyed her so much, and remember her when I go to make a speech,( which is very seldom). She was a great teacher and those are wonderful memories I have of her. I think my mother, Nellie McCalip, wished her daughters to learn some "social graces" , and I'm afraid I failed her miserably!! The good Lord made me to be a tom boy, and I hated dresses, or anything frilly for quite a while.

Does anyone remember the teacher we had who always taught her class the poem
" Flanders Field" ...
In Flanders Fields, the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly

...and we presented in a program remembering our Fallen Military on Decoration Day? I had two brothers in the military during that time, and that poem is engraved in my mind. I can still see this teacher's face, with shoulder length dark brown hair, but cannot recall her name. She was a very attractive woman and always dressed so neatly. She reminded me of my Aunt Lorene, as they had similar facial features. PLEASE HELP me If you can !
It may have been in Wilson Jr. High, but I think it was at Lincoln. May have to post this on the Lincoln site and see if I get an answer. Would love to put my mind at ease about her name. Enough for today... Will look forward to some one else posting memories to share.. Please Do !! Margo CHS Class of '55

[nanc]

This photo, I can pretty much identify. It was taken in about 1911. My grandfather, Carl W. Smith, is in the buggy, and my great-grandfather S. Webber Smith, in the background. Additionally, it is taken out on E. 7th St. at their home. Am thinking somewhere near Garland Brook cemetery, as my understanding is that S. Webber sold his farm to become the cemetery. Would appreciate any input that others might have on this photo. Thanks.




Nanc

[Babs]

The Brick.

In case anyone is interested, we went to The Brick on Saturday and as luck would have it, it was relatively smoke-free. Think only one man had a cigarette going and his party left shortly after we arrived.

The Brick does have the best hamburgers you ever ate and yesterday was no exception. The burger is huge and extends out beyond the large bun, usually about a 1/4 of an inch all around.

Just thought I would pass this information along in case anyone else out there gets the "urge" for a really great hamburger. Go and enjoy!

Babs

[David Sechrest]

Well, I'm back. I'll talk of this past week at some other time, but right now, I want to share some news with the members and guests of this board.

Last year, Pat Mote sent me an email concerning a book she was in the process of writing about Columbus Indiana. For those of you who don't get the Republic, there was an ad in today's paper regarding her book.

I believe the title is "Images Of America: Columbus," published by Arcadia Press.

There will be a book signing at Viewpoint Books in the Commons Mall on Thursday, June 30th, from 3 to 5pm.

The ad states: "Rare vintage photographs, profiles of early residents and prominent families, photographs and descriptions of 19th and 20th century business."

I stopped by Viewpoint and took a quick look at the book, and was pleased to note that, both myself, and the Historic Columbus Indiana website are mentioned in the acknowledgement section.

The book sells for $19.99. For those of you who live out of town, if you're interested in a copy, please drop an email to Terry or Susan Whittaker at [e-mail]. Tell them the Historic Columbus Indiana website sent you!

"...there's no place like home...there's no place like home..."

[Margo CHS Class of 55]

Just a brief reminder for any classmate from the CHS Class of '55. Deadline for registration for our 50th Class Reunion is fast approaching...Aungust 12th is the latest!!!

If you care to come, or need additional information please contact me at [e-mail]

[David Sechrest]

Margo: here's hoping your class reunion is a great success, and you have a wonderful turnout!

[David Sechrest]

Well, the word is out.

Those of you who read Harry McCawley's column woke up this morning to find his article talking about "Columbus Indiana In Vintage Postcards," the latest book by Tamara Iorio regarding Columbus Indiana history.

I won't get my copy until Thursday, and I'm looking forward to seeing it.

Harry began this morning's article by relating the story behind the bidding on a postcard of 3rd Street, taken around the turn of the century. This is the postcard we discussed in the Crump folder some months back. As far as historic pictures of Columbus go, this card has it all. The Crump Theatre the way it originally looked when it was first built, a trolley car sitting in the middle of 3rd, and the courthouse in the background.

The book is available for purchase at Cummins Bookstore in Columbus. Price is $19.99 plus tax. For those of you who live out of town, you can contact Bob Schwartzkopf, owner of Cummins, by either calling him at 812-376-6055, or go to www.cumminsbookstore.com, and send Bob an email.

The book contains almost 200 pictures of Columbus Indiana postcards. It was well researched, and all of the information is historically accurate. Please do note that, because of printing costs, the pictures in the book are black and white only.

All proceeds from the sale of the book will be donated to the Bartholomew County Historical Society.

As soon as I receive my copy, I'll post more.

[Ricky_Berkey]

I just got Tamara Iorio's postcard book and it is a delight. Some great downtown views, especially those "Birds Eye View" photographs. Very crisp and clear reproductions. I have scans and copies of most of these but you can see a more detail in the downtown scenes. Good informative descriptions to each photo. Local history buffs have got to get this book as well as the other book recently put out by Pat Mote. Both are published by Arcadia Press who do local history photography books for cities all over the country. (www.arcadiapublishing.com)

[Deleted]

Yes Ricky a fine book it is, I highy recommend it,it should sell very well. I purchased mine yesterday. George

[David Sechrest]

I also received my copy of the book yesterday, and what a book it is! Great pictures, and historically accurate in the descriptions.

While the Historic Columbus Indiana website was credited in the dedication page, I personally want to thank all of you who took the time and answered my questions here in the message board, and I hope you take pride in the fact that you helped in making sure the info was accurate.

There are so many great postcards, it's hard to choose which is my favorite. I like the ones of the old Crump, and the Belvedere Hotel.

And Ricky, you can see part of the old railroad station in one of the bird's eye views.

I have no idea how many postcards originated out of Columbus between 1900 and 1950 (as I don't think anyone does), but the book should surely cover the majority of them. It's also nice that Tamara took the time to research each one, and provide interesting details regarding the pictures. I like the comments written on the backs of the cards as well, as they give an insight to what life was like in those days.

Tamara was kind enough to give me another disk of all the postcards, and I'll be updating the Postcard Page on the website. By the way, I also found the disk Joy Deckard burned for me last year with the complete Pictorial section of the Bartholomew County Directory 1903-04!).

This book truly deserves to be a coffee table sized book with color photos. Who knows? Maybe some day, it will happen.

[Ricky_Berkey]

Dave,

Have you seen the book called "Greetings from Indiana"? It is mostly in color reproducing postcards from throughout the state including 6 from Columbus.

My dream is to see all the old Columbus postcards reproduced full size in original colors. I have a small accumulation but they get some spirited bidding on Ebay for old Columbus memrobilia. I hoping those dedicated collectors get everything they need so the rest of us can afford them

[David Sechrest]

Would it be safe to assume that the 25th Street shopping center was the first strip mall in Columbus? Does anyone remember when it was built? Late 50's? early 60's?

I remember Kroger, as well as Northside Drugs, and the Camera & Hobby, but wasn't there also an Edwards or Ben Franklin or something like that there as well? Did Camera and Hobby come along later, after the 25th Street side stores were finished?

[Guest]

I remember a Scotts 5 and 10, Gene's bakery, Northside drugs, and a laundromat.